Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
June 16, 2015
Members Present: Donald Howard, James McGahan, Kenny Mitchell, William Scott & Bruce Young
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Ron San Angelo
Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
7:00 p.m. Chairman Young called the meeting to order, led the Pledge Allegiance. He read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. He requested a moment of silence for Judy Hatch former dispatcher and police matron.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. San Angelo reported that the Energy program is ongoing and a number of areas have been completed. They will be addressing the outside lighting at the Police Station. A public hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 23rd regarding the Plymouth County Hospital property. Mr. San Angelo will be meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd with the Auditor, Town Accountant and Treasurer/Collector to get the Auditor’s prospective on OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits). Kevin Flanders of People GIS made a presentation to the department heads for GIS mapping. The Department Heads are reviewing the information.
Financial Update – Mr. San Angelo indicated the quarterly report is attached to the agenda packets. All lines are on target. The disposal costs have been reduced by $100,000
Town Hall doors will be replaced shortly. Senior Center Library Roof is out to bid. Bids due by July 13th with a project completion date of September 4th.
Hanson Day was a successful event. He specifically thanked Nicole Campbell, Sue Lonergan and Jim Flanagan for their work at the event.
Thank you for Dollars for Scholars – Mr. San Angelo read a thank you letter from Whitman and Hanson Dollars for Scholars dated May 31, 2015:
Dear Board of Selectmen,
Thank you for your support for Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars, Inc. during our 2014/2015 fundraising drive. On May 27, 2015, we awarded $110,774 to 109 graduating high school seniors from the towns of Whitman and Hanson. Your dedication and ongoing commitment to support our organization is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to working with you in the coming year as we continue our efforts to help fulfill student’s dreams of higher education.
Thank you again for your support,
Jean Dean, Treasurer
Whitman & Hanson Dollars for Scholars, Inc.
National Grid Safety Notice – Mr. San Angelo reported that National Grid will be conducting aerial inspections of the power lines during the summer months.
Mr. Mitchell asked about the status of the Town Accountant’s contract. Chairman Young indicated that he had a conversation with Mr. Hassett. Mr. Hassett feels that the Town really only requires a part time town accountant for approximately 25 hours. Chairman Young requested the matter of the Town Accountant’s contract be placed on the next meeting agenda.
Mr. McGahan inquired as to the increase of revenues in the Water Line. Mr. San Angelo will inquire with the Superintendent, but feels the revenues are a result of the rate increases.
Resident Mark Vess asked about whether the water capacity will sustain the growth of the Town. Mr. Howard indicated that Commission is seeking new water sources.
III NEW BUSINESS
Recognition of South Shore Vocational Tech Student - Shannon Arlin
Mass. State Gold Medal Award Skills Champion –Graphic Communications. Ms. Arlin was unable to attend the meeting.
Chairman Young read the following citation:
BE IT HEREBY KNOWN TO ALL THAT
The Hanson Board of Selectmen takes this means to express its most sincere congratulations to Shannon Arlin of Hanson, Massachusetts, as the Massachusetts Gold Medal Award Winner at the Skills USA Competition. Your hard work and dedication to your craft in the field of Graphic Communications has earned you the recognition of teachers, fellow students, family and friends.
On behalf of all the citizens of Hanson, the Board of Selectmen wishes you all the best as you represent the South Shore Vocational Technical High School and Hanson at the upcoming National USA Skills Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. May your talents, determination and commitment to your craft bring you success at the competition and lead to a prosperous career in the future.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF we, the Hanson Board of Selectmen, Sign our names officially this 16th day of June in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fifteen.
Appointment/ Resignations:
Resignation of Joan Powers from the Historical Commission –
MOTION by Howard, second by Mitchell to accept with regret the resignation of Joan Powers from the Historical Commission. Voted 5 – 0
Requests:
South Shore Children’s Museum request to host 2 family concerts on the green on
Wednesday July 8th and Thursday July 23rd
Chairman Young read the following request from the South Shore Children’s Museum dated June 8, 2015:
Dear Selectmen,
I am writing on behalf of the South Shore Children’s Museum. We are requesting permission for use of the Hanson Town Hall green to host 2 free family concerts on Wednesday July 8, 2015 and another one on Thursday July 23, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm in the evening.
Our performers focus the musical performances for families with children 10 and under and have been a successful partner of the museum in the past. We felt that an outdoor concert would allow us to connect with families in Hanson and surrounding communities as summer concerts are quite popular for many families. We also intend to continue our outreach to the families we serve in Plymouth County as our museum has a regional scope. Hanson abuts at least 6 communities and would be a fantastic central location.
We are fully insured and come with event insurance. We can provide this insurance upon request. We have staff and volunteers who will set up and clean up the area. We plan on encouraging a picnic style event and will advertise that families can pack a dinner or snack to enjoy at the event. Should we sell any items, it would be refreshments such as juice and packaged candy or popcorn. These items have not yet been donated to the museum and we are awaiting confirmation.
Thank you for your constant support and consideration
My regards,
Juvy Hartweg
MOTION by Howard second by McGahan to grant the request of the South Shore Children’s Museum for two family concerts on the Town Hall green on Wednesday, July 8th and Thursday, July 23rd. Voted 5 - 0
V OLD BUSINESS
Animal Control Officer Position – Mr. San Angelo provided the Board with a copy of the Intermunicipal Agreement with Whitman and Abington for the animal control services. The proposed contract is for one year. Whitman will hire the Animal Control Officers as employees. The operating expense will be $20,000 which will include transportation, kennel service. Salaries will be $37,000 for two part-time officers for a total budget of $57,000. The cost will be divided proportionally among the towns: Abington $21,600, Whitman $19,400 and Hanson $16,000. The contract allows for unanticipated expenses.
Mr. San Angelo provided copies of two job descriptions, one for the Animal Control Officer and one for an assistant Animal Control Officer. The Assistant Animal Control Officer will care for the kennel and will handle fewer calls than the Animal Control Officer.
Mr. McGahan asked if legal counsel has reviewed the inter-municipal agreement. Mr. San Angelo will forward it to counsel.
Mr. Mitchell asked if the Animal Control Officers will pick up road kill. Mr. San Angelo indicated that they will. Mr. Mitchell inquired who is responsible if either of the employees is hurt on duty. Mr. San Angelo explained that Whitman would be responsible for worker compensation as the individuals are employees of Whitman.
Mr. Scott noted that historically Hanson has had its own animal control officer. He questioned the accountability. He wants Hanson to have its own animal control officer and kennel even if it costs more. Chairman Young noted that the contract is only one year and it may make sense to give it a try.
Mr. Howard recommended giving it a try for one year.
Mr. Mitchell requested that the Animal Control Officer give a six month review and status update on how the system is working.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to approve the contract for one year subject to review and approval of Hanson’s Town Counsel and authorize the Chairman to sign the contract.
Voted 4 – 1 (Scott).
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Monponsett Pond Committee – Mr. Howard reported that Brockton took water for 5 days in May even though the bacteria count was high. June 2nd the aluim was applied and the State was going to conduct testing, but the results have not been received. The Beaches have been posted that the pond is polluted with blue green algae. They will be meeting with Brockton on July 13th at 10:00 at Brockton Water.
Indian Head & Maquan Priority Repair Comm. – Chairman Young noted that the committee will meet Wednesday, June 17th. He reported that the Selectmen met with the School Committee on June 10th and voted the bid award for the masonry work at the Maquan School to Folan Waterproofing. He noted a similar letter was sent to Losordo Electrical with a bid in the amount $635,250.00.
Bruce read the following letter dated June 10, 2015 to Maryellen Card, President Folan Waterproofing and Construction:
Dear Ms. Card:
With regard to the above referenced project #Gale NJ828791, please be advised that it is the intent of the Town of Hanson and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District to award your firm, Folan Waterproofing and Construction Company the Contract for the masonry repairs at Indian Head Elementary School. The total Contract award shall be for an amount not to exceed $144,000 (One Hundred and forty-four thousand dollars).
Under separate cover, we will forward five (5) copies of the Contract documents for your review, execution and signature. The Contracts must be executed within ten (10) working days from receipt of the contract. The executed Contracts must include all required insurance certificates. Once returned to us and executed on behalf of the Town of Hanson and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District, a fully executed contract will be sent to you for your permanent records.
Time is an essential condition of the Contract. Folan shall commence work forthwith upon full execution of the Contract and shall have substantial completion of the project by August 14, 2014 and final completion by August 21, 2015.
Thank you for your cooperation. The Town of Hanson and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District look forward to working with your firm on the masonry project. Should any questions arise, please feel free to contact us at 781-618-7417.
Very truly yours,
Robert W. Hayes & Bruce R. Young
Mr. McGahan noted that the School Committee voted not to proceed with the lightening protection at the school after discussion with the Building Commission and John Wright. The cost for the lightening protection was $47,000.00.
WHRDS Capital Repairs & Facilities Committee – Mr. McGahan – nothing to report. Mr. McGahan anticipates a meeting in the next week or two.
Mr. Vess asked when the roof repair will commence. They anticipate commence when the school gets out for the year.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION – Chairman Young announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel. Town Administrator’s contract Highway Union. Will return to open session only to adjourn.
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan to go into Executive Session. Roll Call, Howard aye, McGahan aye, Young aye, Scott aye and Mitchell aye. Voted 5 – 0.
7:48 p.m. Brief Recess
8:37 p.m. returned to open session.
VIII ADJOURMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by McGahan adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
8:37 p.m. meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
September 22, 2015
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